Hosting the perfect BBQ

From grilling to chilling—the best barbecue tips

Whether you want to invite the neighbours around for a friendly gathering, or get the friends and family together for a big bash, a barbecue is the perfect way to entertain. Being the best way to cook for any amount of people, barbecueing is a staple Aussie pastime, especially in our perfect outdoor climate. So fire up the grill, prepare the potato salad and dust off the tablecloth—it's time to host the perfect barbecue!

Hosting a barbecue in your backyard is the perfect option for a laidback, easy meal with friends—so why not plan one for the upcoming weekend? We’ve gathered all the best tips and tricks for planning your next social grilling event! When it comes to buying the best cuts for your barbecue, you can’t go past these Tablelands butchers for all of your meaty needs.

#1 Plan the space

You can organise your barbecue as an indoor or outdoor occasion, however it’s always best to analyse what room you have to work with. Consider the amount of guests you’re entertaining and what you’ll be doing. If you’re having an outdoor bash and the kids are playing footy, beware of rogue footballs on the dining table—or the barbecue! Likewise, if you are indoors, is there enough space for everyone to relax and mingle comfortably?

#2 Find out about any dietary requirements

There’s nothing worse than planning a meat fest and then discovering that you haven’t catered for your vegetarian friends! Knowing your guest’s food allergies and dietary requirements will make for a drama-free party with full bellies all round!

#3 Try these healthy snacks for the kids

If there are a few picky eaters at your barbecue, why not give these healthy snacks a go? Sure to be a hit with little tummies, as well as excellent appetisers before the main course!

Fruity skewers

A popular classic for its colour and variety, simply popping a few different pieces of fruit along a skewer will make eating fruit easy and fun. Try bite-sized pieces of anything from grapes to watermelon or apple—just make sure they don’t swallow it whole!

Ants on a log

If your child turns their nose up at celery, try serving small pieces of it with peanut butter, sprinkled with some sultanas. Remove celery from the snack’s name and there you have it—ants on a log!

#4 Variety is key

From food choices to drinks—variety is important. As it’s a barbecue, your guests may bring a bowl of something for the table, but it’s great to ensure that a variety of food and drink is on offer. Pack the Esky with beer and wine—and dont forget soft drink for the kids and non-drinkers! Cook up a selection of meats for burgers, hotdogs or steaks and finally, a colourful selection of different salads that will really add a festive vibe to the table!

Ready to chuck your next shrimp on the barbie? Check out these local Tablelands butchers for a fine barbecue selection.

For all of your butchery needs, pop in to Tableland Top Meats. The team here are focused on delivering top-notch service and helping you choose the best cuts for maximum flavour. Supplying everything from beef to seafood, Tableland Top Meats also have gourmet sausages made on the premises—delish!Where:Shop 15 Atherton Square Cook St Atherton QLD

When you’re planning your next barbecue, be sure to give Yungaburra Butchery a call. Specialising in family and party packs, Yungaburra Butchery will have your meat needs taken care of in no time at all! Pop in to find the freshest meat in town, as well as smoked ham and bacon for brekky the next day.Where:2 Kehoe Pl Yungaburra QLD

WHAT’S YOUR STORY?

Have a few grilling tips up your sleeve? Share them in the comments below!